Here's why The Big Bang Theory is one of the worst TV shows in human history

The Big Bang Theory has now forced itself on TV audiences for a total of nine years and, in that time, the sitcom hasn't even ONCE attempted to make a good episode. More often than not, the series relies on stereotypes, poor writing, lazy jokes and the belief that people who are remotely intelligent are, by and large, weirdos.

Let's start with the central cast, each and every one of them pulled from a cursory glance at "nerd" culture and then filled in with the type of generalisations that you'd expect from short-form sitcoms. You have Leonard, played by Johnny Galecki. He's an experimental physicist who - SURPRISE FUCKING SURPRISE - loves Dungeons & Dragons, is lactose intolerant, bad with women and has an IQ of 173. Next is Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons. Again, SURPRISE FUCKING SURPRISE, he's got an eidetic memory, is socially awkward, finds social interaction difficult to understand and claims that he's been tested for autism and is boastful of his mental acuity. Oh, and he's a virgin for the first half of the series' run. Top-notch commentary there. Next is Raj, a bashful Indian particle astrophysicist who can't talk to women unless he's drunk and has to remind everyone that he's not a gay on a semi-regular basis.

Topping off this cavalcade of shitness is Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco. She's an aspiring actress who waits tables to pay the bills and, wouldn't you know it, ends up with Leonard by the end of the first season. Oh, and there's a character - Howard, played by Simon Helberg - who thinks he's a ladies man. Because what's more funnier than a nerd who can't get on with members of the opposite sex? A nerd who thinks he can. Hilarious stuff. Smash these stereotypes together and what do you get? Even more stereotypes. Every episode follows a similar plot, usually revolving around the fact that the nerds can't actually function in modern society and fail to grasp even the most basic of concepts of life, relationships and being humans. One episode actually features Howard trying to make up with his girlfriend because he had cybersex on World of Warcraft with what he thought was a woman, but was actually a man. Again, just hilarious stuff.

It's true that most sitcoms work off archetypal characters. There's the funny one, the sarcastic one, the lady's man, the neat-freak. Friends had it, Cheers had it - they're all general personality archetypes. That formula, for better or worse, has stayed with sitcoms since their inception. What The Big Bang Theory does is, in a way, clever. They simply read over a couple of fansite forums, pull dialogue and identifiers from them and then slap them over these archetypes and hope for the best. It works, for the most part. The series has had a number of well-known cameos from cast members of Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and Firefly. You could argue that it's a good thing; bringing niche interests and the like into the mainstream. Here, it's done so they can poke fun at it. They're into Star Trek, they really like D&D, Warhammer is hilarious because it's painting action figures. It furthers pushes the idea that if you're into anything other than normalcy, you're a freak. Anyone who has an interest in these things, in real-life, knows this fact all too well. The Big Bang Theory is simply reflecting it back at them and fucking laughing at them to their face while they do it.

Of course, it's well-documented in the series that the nerds, as it were, don't care about the so-called outside world. They're happy to live in their own world, enjoy what they enjoy, and be happy for the most part. But you couldn't have a show about nerds who don't want to interact with the outside world, could you? Of course you could. Look at Graham Linehan's The IT Crowd. A show about a group of misfits who work in a cavern beneath a giant corporate entity and regularly turn their nose up at everyone upstairs. If the writers of The Big Bang Theory wanted to make a comedy about nerds, The IT Crowd is the blueprint. It's respectful, but also shows just how weird and off-kilter it is. In that sense, it works both angles - bringing in those who may not be overly familiar with the intricacies and eccentricities of nerd culture and appealing to those who know them all too well.

Do the writers of The Big Bang Theory REALLY think that just because you're into Star Trek that you're a nerd? Eddie Murphy is a lifelong Star Trek fan and was originally supposed to appear in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Ben Stiller named his production company, Red Hour, after a '60s episode of the TV series. Maybe it's because they're all really intelligent that they're all inept in social situations. That must be it. No, actually, it isn't. Dolph Lundgren, who played Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and is known for playing hulking action roles, has an IQ of over 160 and holds degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry. Ashton Kutcher was planning to do a Masters in Biochemical Engineering before he signed on for That '70s Show. That's just well-known people, mind.

There are so many examples of piss-poor writing in The Big Bang Theory that it's hard to pick them out. The show lazily takes on aspects of nerd culture, shows people how weird it is, tries to make you think that it's actually endearing, roll credits and on to next week's show. The same goes for how the show deals with each character's eccentric behaviour. Social anxiety isn't a fucking joke that can be trotted out when they want to show just how socially inept these nerds are. People truly do suffer from shyness and an inability to interact in social scenarios, but here it's the butt of the joke. Their misadventures with women - who who are reduced to tokenism and props, for the most part - are all set to canned laughter whilst they struggle on. Is crippling loneliness really that funny? Is being socially inept honestly that entertaining for audiences that they can get a total of NINE seasons out of it?

Would you like some salt and vinegar with that huge chip on your shoulder? Bitterness and spite is all I'm getting from this article, or are you just fulfilling that other stereotype that hipsters and reviewers must look down on anything that's popular? Comedians and comedy programmes make light hearted fun of so many idiosyncrasies of the human condition, have been doing so for years, and will do so for some time to come. Don't like it? Change the channel. Get over yourself

Can't believe someone can be so angry about a sitcom which isn't great but has its moments, Most sitcoms are based on sterotypes for example Seinfled which was the best sitcom ever produced. There seems to be a lot of TV snobbery nowadays none more so than Tv and movie reviewers who can't admit it's funny unless it's got no laugh track or stars Louie Ck. You really should look into taking some medication for that anger you're harbouring or at least going to some anger management classes which you could surely make time for, it's not like you have a job or anything.

I get a strong feeling Brian got beat up a lot as a ween. There's quite the anger between the lines here. Seeing a good headshrinker may help. Seems now you're the lord muck of TV reviews you're venting a bit of steam that's been in the kettle too long.
I'd point out as others have that no one has "forced" the show on you. Turn the dial. And take a vacation, maybe get that stick taken outta your ar$e.

lol I can't believe how defensive everyone is of this show. I've been saying for years now that people who find it funny are the epitome of simpletons. Not that I necessarily agree with all of the author's reasons for why, but I'm glad someone finally took the time to blast it. I just picture the society from the movie "Idiocracy" with Luke Wilson being in love with a show like this. "Ooh the laugh track told me that line was funny, har har!!"
I made an account on this random website just to support people who agree it sucks. Hands down the worst show ever made. Let me be clear, NOT everyone who watches it is stupid. But there's a much greater chance that you are a complete mouth-breathing moron if you're a fan of it.

not a fan of the show myself but its by far def not the worst tv show in human history i mean we got the kardashian and all they spin offs, The Chrisleys on USA which is the southern version of Kardashians, then u got Bog's Burger seriously i dont know how these shows are even on the air

I can honestly say I have never watched a single episode, it doesn't appeal to me. I know the general concept of the show and it's predictable humor. All the successful classic shows followed a formula of mixing various characters and personalities clashing in comedic situations. That's why they were nicknamed Sit- coms...Here's the rub; if the show has been rescheduled for 9 seasons simply means it does well in the ratings and can be sold to marketers for advertising revenue. If it didn't make money, it would have been axed after 2 seasons. There's a huge market for the comic-con attending, online gaming video, viewers. The networks are catering to them and don't really care if it's good, they're not in the art or auto business. They only care if people watch. They're in the eyeball business

Me thinks this writer can't hack it in the real world with true competition and he desperately needs attention so he figures writing something really stupid will get him some kind of attention even if its bad. He needs to get past his obvious child hood issues and make an effort to become a real writer but without any talent at all its going to be difficult.

Just the first sentence and last paragraph alone sounds like you've logged too many hours on Tumblr with the rest of the teenagers who can't get their life together and have nothing better to do but whine and get overly offended by things don't even affect them. Except you're a grown man, and should probably stay off of there and start acting like one.
You don't like the show, ok, that's fine, not everyone does. Talking as bitterly about the reasons why though? "Omg it purposely uses archetypal characters and groups them together like other popular shows (i.e. Friends) but sprinkles in stereotypes of geeky behavior, nerd culture, and actual science. It sucks so much." Don't watch it. Change the channel.
But the reasons still, that they don't interact with or care about the outside world and that the writers "think liking Star Trek makes your a nerd" yeah no, that's actually not the point. They DO interact with people who aren't as in to nerd cultlure or science like they are and sometimes it goes horribly wrong, but they grow and learn from their interactions. And it's been pointed out that anyone can be a "nerd" or "geek" about something if they are passionate enough about it, which actually takes the stigma of those words away by people realizing that pretty much everyone is over something.That actually lets people see that nerd culture is more relatable and widespread than they think, and kind of brings them together. But way to try to get offended. Many people have said they don't like it because it represents stereotypes of nerds that they personally don't act like. And just as many have been offended because they DO act like those stereotypes. AND just as many have liked this show because they act like those stereotypes, or because they don't and like poking fun at ones who do. In other words, whining about people shouldn't like it because it's "stereotypical" is a moot point.
And normally I just ignore things like these because to each their own, if you don't think it's funny that's fine, but the fact that I saw this headline side-by-side with "Somali official" Bomb blew a hole in the jet" is just deplorable. And then actually reading it (especially the last three paragraphs) and seeing how bitter you are at the show and at times unrepresentative of what the show actually is/does while you're trying to explain it to people it's just...gross. It's not even well written. So maybe by telling you how ridiculous this is and pointing out the flaws in your blog (sorry "article") you'll give up writing and we can get back to some real journalism.

If you are going to comment on ANYTHING, the very least you can do is start looking over what you write, and by that I mean your idea of grammar is atrocious. Yep, you have insulted a teacher, sir. And I guess I must be stupid, because I seriously enjoy "The Big Bang Theory." I enjoy it because it shows the extremes of how real people can be (real people includes nerds, did you know that?). As a teacher, it is necessary to observe students who sometimes display different characteristics from "normal" students that might be key to their understanding of various subjects, life, surroundings. Believe or not (and I'm saying you don't), this show is very helpful, and they do it with humor. New thought: slam it all you want, Sir, you are way off base if you cannot show the merest form of intelligence and just enjoy the show for what it's worth -- fun. I just enjoy intrinsically. I believe Star Wars fans are also insulted if you don't mention that these "nerds" are equally enamored, if not more, of that group of films as Star Trek. You really messed up on that point. Does that mean that anyone who has the slightest iota of enjoyment, or "fanmania," of Star Trek or Star Wars is a nerd? Well, then count my son and me nerds. Oh yes, and saying it's "B" and "C" acting: well, as a Drama teacher (yes, I wear many hats), while I have seen a few faux pas, I really cannot agree with THAT particular sentence you just HAD to insert. It goes hand in hand with your love of inserting the word where it doesn't need to be: F***. YUCK. By the way, who wants to be normal, anyway? There is nothing normal about me; even my students agree with that statement.

I don't normally use profanity. But since the author of this post used it numerous times, I'll make an exception. First off, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But the reason Big Bang Theory has lasted this long is because millions and millions of people thing your opinions don't mean jack s**t to us. The author of this post sounds like and uptight, narcissistic jackass, who think their "opinions are facts". No one give a flying f**k about what you think equal to a good and bad episode. So do us millions and millions of fans a favor and GO f**k YOURSELF ,YOU STUBBORN SOB.

You make it sound like there is something wrong with being a nerd. I like some of the same things the characters like - - Lord of the Rings comes to mind. If that makes me a nerd, that is okay with me. It is just a label and not a negative one - - at least I don't think so. Anyway, I think the show is very funny and I think most scientists are flattered. Lighten up.

OK. Who died and appointed you Master of the TV Review? You are one narrow-minded SOB and I can't believe you get paid to do this! Whoever hired you should be fired along with you! I have been a huge fan of The Big Theory since the first episode aired. You, sir, need to take a chill pill, and, while you are at it, wash your mouth out with lye soap! You disgust me!!

I read your review for Dirty Grandpa and thought to myself "well there's a film i'm not going to see" but after reading this review I now realise you are a total gobs**te so reckon I'll give it a try after all. Entertainment.ie should put the writer of each piece at the top of the article so i can not read anymore tripe by this so called journalist. Regardless of whether you like BBT or not, this was a terrible,unprofessional piece of "journalism".

I can see why this might seem offensive to someone who struggles severely to function in society. I don't think that's what they're going for, though. I get the impression that they're more about attempting to help us not take ourselves too seriously, which is therapeutic. In addition, I feel they're more about helping neurotypicals not take our obstacles too seriously, like they're trying to familiarize average people with some disorders in a way that doesn't make their skin crawl. I mean, since we're so inept at socializing, someone's gotta do it.

George Lucas once said that he disliked reading reviews from even legitimate journalists, Mr Lucas also went on to describe internet review composers as being particularly "VEHEMENT" . Your "review" is a fine example that lends pure legitimacy to Mr. Lucas' general description of on-line review authors.

WORST REVIEW EVER! What's it like to be the biggest snob living in your mother's basement? Me thinks thou does protest too much! Must be hitting too close to home and struck too many nerves for you. Sometimes it's nice to just kick back and relax. You should try it sometime. BTW this is from a 142 IQ with a Master's Degree, managing in a Fortune 50 company. But if you're like Sheldon, you probably turn your nose up at that and feel you're much too big to speak to someone as lowly as I. Thanks for gracing us with your immense intellect. Maybe we all can grow up to be as good as you someday (oh that last part was sarcasm btw, if you hadn't picked up on it).

Check out this "critic"'s twitter account, apparently it's now TV AIDS and tumor riddled s**t. Really, how can a TV program evoke so emotional a diatribe unless there's something personal in there. Whatever you may think of BBT, it's very popular, you may not like it, but then who cares, many people do. Is it that as a geek and a nerd you feel they're laughing at you? Well, actually they're not, but after writing this tripe they are far more likely to. No one expects everyone to like the same things, but to launch into such a tirade of sanctimonious, self absorbed crap says more about you than it does about the program, and I have to say I've never understood how entertainment.ie pay you for the rubbish "critique" you consistently post here, but then thats just my opinion, I'm entitled to it as much as you are. I always find it funny how you never respond here, but take your drivel and arrogant attitude to sneer comments at the people who respond here through your Twitter account. Really brave of you

Sitcom snobbery of the highest ( or lowest? ) order. I've read the article and some of the comments and to be honest I have to wonder do some people have any sense of humour? As a mature student studying computer science, I meet a lot of what you classify as geeks every day. Some of these people are strange compared to my previous experience but they delight in their strangeness. In fact out of a class of 100 at least 65-70 could be classed as geeks. They even have their own clique in the class and call themselves the "Geek Club". I have often heard them discussing and laughing about events in TBBT. In a former life I worked as a slaughterman in several meat plants where brains could be at a premium at times, but even those people also used to talk and laugh about TBBT. So people right across the social and intelligence spectrum thoroughly enjoy this show but you feel you have to show you are somehow superior and above it? Loosen up and like the comment above says "If you don't like a show then don't watch it"!! If you really feel a need to spout out this kind of spiteful rubbish why not write about something more serious and worrying, like global warming, homelessness or the war in Syria??!!

Why do you hate intelligent people? Why do you hate entertainment that actually may edify the human mind? My guess would be any one who hates this show doesn't have the intelligence to see the humor nor do they have the intelligence to see a little of themselves in each and every character. There's a reason intelligent and imaginative people like D&D. There is also a reason this has been the top rated show for so many years, even if people aren't bright enough to see similarities between themselves and the characters, they are intelligent enough to know humor and enjoy it. My vote for the worst TV show ever, anything wh**edashian!

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